COUNTERSTRIKES

I cannot bear

to watch, yet

will not leave her.

Zahra’s opponent

is on the offensive

from the jump.

His first few blows

make him overconfident.

But Zahra’s lack of training

makes her unpredictable

and her size, agile.

A circle of men

forms, attracted by

her unusual style.

Who is that?

Dunno.

Little guy . . .

Impressive, though . . .

A sword clatters

to the ground

and Zahra stands,

grip still firm

on her own blade,

pointing it calmly

at her opponent’s throat.